Judge sends Abramoff deputy to halfway house

A federal judge has sentenced an ex-lobbyist who worked for disgraced influence peddler Jack Abramoff to 30 days in a halfway house and two years' probation.

Todd Boulanger (BOWL-n-jur) was accused of lavishing congressional aides with gifts in exchange for help with legislation favorable to Abramoff's clients.

Boulanger had pleaded guilty to providing tens of thousands of dollars in meals and tickets to sporting events, concerts and the circus. The gifts included an expenses-paid trip to the World Series.

Boulanger cooperated with prosecutors, providing information the government said was helpful in convicting two congressional staffers and another former lobbyist who worked for Abramoff.

Twenty-one lawmakers, lobbyists, Bush administration officials, congressional staffers and others have been convicted in the scandal involving Abramoff, once one of the most prominent lobbyists in Washington.